Swapnil Kusale made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the men’s 50m rifle three positions event. His journey to the podium was a testament to his skill, perseverance, and years of dedicated training.

In the highly competitive final held at the National Shooting Center in Châteauroux, Kusale delivered an outstanding performance. He scored 451.4 points to secure the bronze medal, marking India’s third medal at the 2024 Olympics and making this edition the most successful for the Indian shooting team in terms of medals won.

The 50m rifle three positions event is a grueling competition where shooters must excel in kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Kusale started the final with a modest performance in the kneeling position but showed remarkable improvement in the prone and standing positions. His consistent and focused shooting allowed him to climb the rankings, ultimately finishing in third place.

Kusale’s final scores in each position demonstrated his resilience and technical prowess. After a slow start in the kneeling position, he improved significantly in the prone position, moving up the leaderboard. The standing position, often the most challenging due to the physical strain, saw Kusale maintaining his composure and accuracy, securing his place on the podium.

This bronze medal is a significant milestone not only for Kusale but also for Indian shooting sports. It highlights the growing prowess of Indian shooters on the global stage and serves as an inspiration for future generations. Kusale’s achievement is a culmination of years of hard work, with previous successes including gold medals at the Asian Games and World Cups.

Kusale’s win was celebrated widely, and he received a promotion within the Indian Railways, acknowledging his contributions and the pride he brought to the nation. His journey from a small village in Maharashtra to an Olympic medalist is a powerful story of determination and excellence.